Best bets and EPL tips for Newcastle vs. Manchester United

Manchester United’s indelible ability to bounce back from trouble was manifested last weekend when they registered a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League.

A club etched in tradition, forged in industry and striving for glory, the Red Devils overcame a stubborn Huddersfield side to bounce back from a bruising loss to Tottenham during the week; the victory over the Terriers bearing greater significance as it came on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

The loss away to Tottenham left plenty to be desired, especially against the top sides, as United conceded after just eleven seconds on the clock – a massive stab to their confidence that saw them eventually lose 2-0 in the English capital.

Although the Wembley result was damaging at the time, the victory at the weekend helped United claw back two points over leaders Manchester City, which could only manage a 1-1 draw with Sean Dyche’s Burnley. Pep Guardiola will still have little reason to look over his shoulder, as City is still a staggering 13 points ahead of its Manchester rivals.

Confident and with plenty of rest, Manchester United take its Premier League campaign to St James’ Park to face a crestfallen Newcastle United. The Magpies have had an unpleasant return to the top flight, with only a single point separating them from the drop zone.

As such, United‘s visit is bound to cause Rafa Benitez sleepless nights, more so given their recent deplorable form.

Despite taking the lead, Newcastle has recently conceded in farcical circumstances to share the spoils with Crystal Palace and Burnley, and will undoubtedly be wary of United’s improved attacking potency.

Manchester United’s attack has been strengthened by the acquisition of Alexis Sanchez, an industrious player whose ethos and values suits Jose Mourinho’s style of play. The Chilean opened his goal-scoring account for the club against Huddersfield and looks in peach form to start against Newcastle.

Marouane Fellaini, who sustained a recurring knee injury against Spurs, won’t be featuring until the end of the month but Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are closer to marking their return after months on the sidelines.

Marcus Rashford and Daley Blind are further doubts for the trip but Phil Jones is poised to return having missed the win at Old Trafford with an illness.

January signing Islam Slimani- on loan from Leicester City until end of the season- trained with his new teammates during the week and could as such feature for Newcastle on Monday; as should Jose Sanmartin Mato.

Newcastle vs. Manchester United Match predictions

Jose Mourinho’s charges have won six of their last seven games since the turn of the year and have thus far kept a whooping 15 clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

Given that Newcastle are struggling to find the goals and are without a win in their last five games in all competition, it’s hard seeing anything short of a Manchester United win.